Makola energises Pirates in Cup, hopes form continues
Why midfielder didn’t celebrate against Stars
Orlando Pirates midfielder, Mpho Makola, would not dare celebrate the Nedbank Cup win over his former side Free State Stars at the weekend, but knows this is exactly what the Buccaneers needed.
The 30-year-old inspired Pirates to a 4-1 win over Stars after playing a part in three of the goals at James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney.
Makola scored one and then his cross came off Joseph Okomu for an own goal, before sending in a free kick that was volleyed in by Thembinkosi Lorch. Oupa Manyisa was also on the scoresheet, while Sifiso Mbhele replied for the home side.
“I don’t celebrate when I score against Stars because that is where I started playing professional football and I hold them dearly in my heart,” he told Sowetan.
“I gave my all in the field, the harder you work, the luckier you get. I just need to be a bit consistent, and minimise the silly mistakes that I make at times,” he said.
The win comes as a relief for Pirates, considering they have endured a torrid time for most of this season, and being in tonight’s Nedbank Cup quarterfinal draw means they have a chance to win silverware.
“It has been a bit sad and it has not been good for us. I mean, you can’t even go to a garage [fuel station]. They say uyas’dlisa (you are making us lose). But you don’t do it on purpose.
“I am just hoping and praying that from now onwards, until the end of the season, we will collect maximum points [in the league] and play well,” said Makola, who was named man of the match.
Bucs coach Kjell Jonevret was pleased to see the likes of Makola and Manyisa shoulder the responsibility in their bid to finish the season strongly.
“Players like that have to step forward and be first in line to show the other ones that it is possible to win. If we play like this, we can win many games,” Jonevret stated.
Pirates face Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium tomorrow (7.30pm).